Ancient City Perge, Aspendos, Temple of Apollo & Waterfalls Tour

Experience the Best of Antalya’s Surroundings in One Day

If you’re looking to uncover the ancient ruins and stunning natural beauty just outside Antalya, this Ancient City Perge, Aspendos, Temple of Apollo & Waterfalls Tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into Turkey’s historical and scenic treasures. For around $43.45, you get a full day of sightseeing, including hotel pickup, professional guiding, and lunch, all packed into a manageable 10-hour adventure.

What we love most is how this tour combines natural wonders like Manavgat Waterfalls with impressive archaeological sites such as the well-preserved theater of Aspendos and the sprawling ruins of Perge. The small group size—capped at 15—means you’re not just another face in the crowd and can enjoy more personalized commentary. Plus, the fact that admission fees are mostly included or clearly outlined helps you plan your day.

One possible consideration is the itinerary’s busy pace—it tries to include quite a few stops, which might mean limited time at each site. If you’re a history buff or natural scenery lover, this might be perfect; if you prefer to explore more leisurely or get deep into each place, some stops could feel rushed.

This tour suits travelers who want a comprehensive taste of Antalya’s surroundings without the hassle of planning multiple trips. It’s especially good for those with a moderate physical fitness level who enjoy a mix of history, nature, and culture all in one day.

Key Points

• Diverse itinerary: Visits to ancient ruins, a Roman theater, waterfall, and a temple along the coast.
• Comfortable logistics: Hotel pickup, small group size, and smooth transfers enhance the experience.
• In-depth commentary: Knowledgeable guides like Ibrahim and Ozzie enrich the visit with historical insights.
• Good value: Lunch included plus most entrance fees, making it a cost-effective way to see multiple highlights.
• Some stops are brief: Limited time at each site means you’ll see but not deeply explore every location.
• Focus on natural and historical: Perfect for those who appreciate varied scenery and archaeological marvels.

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Strong at Aspendos

The tour kicks off early at 8:00 am, with hotel pickup—an effortless way to start your day. Our first stop is the Aspendos Ruins, home to one of the best-preserved Roman theaters in the world. You might find this place especially captivating because of how remarkably intact the theater is—still capable of hosting performances. The reviews speak highly of the site; one traveler called Aspendos “pretty cool,” and many appreciated how the theater allows visitors to walk right onto the stage and imagine the crowds of 15,000 spectators.

While admission is not included, the value lies in the guided commentary—your guide will help you understand the significance of the site, from its Roman origins to its importance in ancient architecture. Expect about 2 hours here, so you’ll have enough time to wander around, take photos, and soak in the atmosphere.

Exploring Perge’s Ancient Streets

Next on the agenda is Perge, a city with a history stretching back to the Hittite period and flourishing in the Roman age. Located 17 km from Antalya, Perge’s expansive ruins include a theater, agora, and extensive city walls. The theatre alone, with a capacity of 15,000, is a highlight—well preserved and perfect for imagining ancient performances.

One reviewer noted, “The ruins at Perge are remarkably preserved,” and the sculptures found here are so impressive they are displayed in the Antalya Museum. Your guide will illustrate how the city was once a thriving center of marble sculpture and architecture, helping you visualize what it was like in its heyday. Expect about 1 hour here, which might feel tight if you’re eager to explore every corner, but it’s enough to appreciate the scale and craftsmanship.

Refreshing at Manavgat Waterfalls

After a morning of walking through history, the group heads to Manavgat Waterfalls—a spot many travelers find picturesque and relaxing. Located in the Taurus Mountains, these waterfalls are fed from Mount Seytan and are one of Turkey’s popular natural attractions.

The stop lasts about an hour, giving you a chance to snap photos, enjoy the sound of rushing water, or grab a quick snack from nearby vendors. The included admission fee makes this a hassle-free experience. Several reviews mention the waterfalls as a “beautiful” and “breathtaking” stop, although some noted that they weren’t as impressive as other waterfalls they’ve seen. Still, it’s a pleasant break and a chance to stretch your legs after a busy morning.

The Iconic Temple of Apollo at Side

The last major archaeological stop is the Temple of Apollo in Side. This waterfront ruin boasts stunning columns and stone structures, offering a glimpse into the city’s ancient coastal importance.

The 2-hour visit includes time for photos, wandering, and listening to the guide’s storytelling. One traveler called this stop “scenic” and appreciated the opportunity to stand among ancient columns overlooking the sea—a perfect setting for a quiet moment of reflection. The site is quite accessible, and the mix of natural beauty and ancient architecture makes this a memorable highlight.

Lunch and Local Flavors

A special feature of this tour is the included lunch, which gives you a taste of Turkish cuisine. While some reviews mention that the buffet can be hit or miss—“the food was gross” or “just boiled potatoes”—others appreciate the opportunity to try local flavors without stress. If you’re a foodie, you might want to bring some snacks or extra drinks, as the meal is a simple buffet and some found the quality lacking.

Additional Considerations

The tour’s bus is air-conditioned, a relief on warm days, although one reviewer mentioned the cooling wasn’t sufficient for all passengers, especially in September. It’s important to note that while the admission fees to sites are not included for Perge and Aspendos, the overall cost remains attractive considering the breadth of sights covered and the included lunch and transport.

The small group size (max 15) makes for a more intimate experience, allowing better interaction with your guide. The guides, like Ibrahim and Ozzie, receive praise for their knowledge and friendly demeanor, often making the stories more engaging.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for history enthusiasts who want to see multiple sites in one day without the hassle of organizing transport. It’s also suitable for travelers who enjoy a blend of natural beauty and ancient ruins, and who don’t mind a packed schedule. If you prefer relaxing at one or two sites rather than rushing through many, this might be a bit fast-paced for you.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers excellent value for money—covering multiple highlights with expert guides, comfortable transportation, and included meals. The stops at Perge and Aspendos stand out as the most memorable, with their well-preserved ruins and impressive architecture. The natural beauty of Manavgat Waterfalls and the scenic Temple of Apollo add a scenic charm that rounds out the day.

While some have expressed that the itinerary can be a bit rushed or that certain stops aren’t as impressive as hoped, the overall consensus is that the knowledgeable guides and beautiful sites make this a worthwhile experience. It’s especially suited for those eager to combine history, culture, and nature into one straightforward day trip.

If you’re after a well-organized, budget-friendly tour that maximizes sightseeing outside Antalya, this tour fits the bill. Just keep in mind that it covers a lot of ground, and a keen interest in history or stunning scenery will make the experience much more rewarding.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, making the start and end of your day hassle-free.

How long do each of the stops last? Expect about 2 hours at Aspendos, 1 hour at Perge, 1 hour at Manavgat Waterfalls, and 2 hours at Side’s Temple of Apollo. The total tour duration is approximately 10 hours.

Are entrance fees included? Most entrance fees are not included—Perge and Aspendos require separate tickets—though the Waterfalls and Temple of Apollo do include their fees.

What is the group size? The tour caps at 15 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience with your guide.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels? Yes, but travelers should be prepared for some walking and uneven surfaces at archaeological sites.

Can I expect good value for the price? Absolutely—considering the transportation, guide, lunch, and multiple site visits, it’s a cost-effective way to see a broad swath of Antalya’s attractions.

What are the main highlights? The well-preserved Roman theater of Aspendos, the expansive ruins of Perge, the scenic Manavgat Waterfalls, and the historic Temple of Apollo.

Will I have enough time to explore each site? The itinerary is quite full, so you’ll see the highlights but may not have time for in-depth exploration at every location.

How knowledgeable are the guides? The reviews praise the guides’ expertise and storytelling, which greatly enhances the experience.

To sum it up, this tour offers a satisfying mix of history, scenery, and comfort. It’s perfect for curious travelers eager to tick off top sights around Antalya in one day. While it’s not for those craving a leisurely exploration, it rewards those who enjoy a packed schedule with expert commentary, scenic views, and a taste of Turkey’s ancient past.